Hampshire School Menus and Prices UK
Hampshire’s school menus are structured on a three-week cycle, with each week offering a variety of main courses, sides, and desserts.
While specific menu items for April to December 2025 are available in downloadable formats on the Hampshire County Council website, a sample menu based on typical school meal offerings is provided below for illustrative purposes.
These menus reflect the types of dishes commonly served, including options for vegetarian diets and popular sides like jacket potatoes with various toppings.
Week 1 Menu
| Day | Main Course | Sides | Dessert | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Spaghetti Bolognese | Garlic Bread, Side Salad | Fruit | £3.20 |
| Tuesday | Chicken Nuggets | Chips, Baked Beans | Fruit | £3.20 |
| Wednesday | Fish Fingers | Chips, Peas | Fruit | £3.20 |
| Thursday | Vegetable Lasagna | Garlic Bread, Side Salad | Fruit | £3.20 |
| Friday | Beef Burger | Chips, Salad | Fruit | £3.20 |
Week 2 Menu
| Day | Main Course | Sides | Dessert | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Cheese and Tomato Pizza | Salad, Coleslaw | Yogurt | £3.20 |
| Tuesday | Roast Chicken | Mashed Potatoes, Carrots | Fruit | £3.20 |
| Wednesday | Veggie Burger | Chips, Sweetcorn | Fruit | £3.20 |
| Thursday | Pasta with Tomato Sauce | Garlic Bread, Green Beans | Fruit | £3.20 |
| Friday | Fish and Chips | Peas, Salad | Fruit | £3.20 |
Week 3 Menu
| Day | Main Course | Sides | Dessert | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Chicken Curry | Rice, Naan Bread | Fruit | £3.20 |
| Tuesday | Shepherd’s Pie | Carrots, Peas | Yogurt | £3.20 |
| Wednesday | Veggie Pasta Bake | Salad, Garlic Bread | Fruit | £3.20 |
| Thursday | Sausages | Mashed Potatoes, Beans | Fruit | £3.20 |
| Friday | Margherita Pizza | Chips, Salad | Fruit | £3.20 |
Meal Times
| Day | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Friday | 12:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
Hampshire School Menus Location in UK
Website and Social Media
- Website: Hampshire County Council Education Catering
- Facebook: HC3S Education Catering
- Twitter: HC3S6
Additional Information
Hampshire’s Education Catering service goes beyond providing meals by engaging students in food education. Programs like “Ready Steady Cook” and healthy eating workshops encourage children to explore food in a fun, interactive way.
The service also supports initiatives like VegPower’s “Eat Them To Defeat Them” campaign, promoting vegetable consumption among children. For parents, downloadable resources such as menu calendars, foreign language menus, and carbohydrate information (especially for children with diabetes) are available on the Education Catering website.
The service’s commitment to quality is evident in its accreditations, including the Hyperactive Children’s Support Group’s Highest Award for Excellence in School Catering, received in 2005 and re-accredited annually for removing additives from primary school meals.
Meals are prepared in kitchens with high hygiene standards, often earning 5-star ratings, as noted by Newtown Church of England Primary School.
Future Considerations
The potential closure of the Education Catering service by March 2026, as reported by the BBC and Liphook Herald, raises concerns about the future of school meals in Hampshire.
The council is exploring private sector alternatives, but this transition may lead to changes in menu offerings, pricing, or quality.
Parents are encouraged to participate in the ongoing consultation process and stay informed through school communications and the Education Catering website.
FAQs of Hampshire School Menus UK
- How do I order school meals for my child?
- School meals can be ordered through your child’s school, often via an online system like ScoPay or by contacting the school office. Some schools, like Hawley Primary School, require meals to be ordered for the entire week in advance, with no option to mix school meals and packed lunches within the same week.
- What if my child has dietary requirements?
- For children with allergies or medical dietary needs, parents must register on the Hampshire County Council Special Diets page. An NHS dietician reviews medical evidence to create an adapted menu. Schools can also manage dietary needs for conditions like diabetes without registration, provided parents inform the school.
- Are there vegetarian options available?
- Yes, vegetarian options are included in the menus, such as vegetable lasagna, veggie burgers, and pasta with tomato sauce. The “Street Menu” and jacket potato options also provide vegetarian choices.
- How much do school meals cost?
- School meals cost £3.20 per day for nursery and junior school children. Infant children (Reception and Key Stage 1) receive free meals under the UIFSM program.
- Can I pay for school meals online?
- Yes, most schools use ScoPay for online payments. Parents can set up an account to pay for meals, school trips, and other activities. For example, Weeke Primary School and South View Federation both offer ScoPay as a payment option.
- What happens if I can’t afford school meals?
- Families facing financial difficulties can check eligibility for free school meals online at Hampshire County Council’s Free School Meals page. Eligibility criteria include receiving benefits like Child Tax Credit (with an annual income below £16,190) or Universal Credit (household income below £7,400 per year after tax).
- Are the meals nut-free?
- Yes, menus are nut-free, as confirmed by schools like Grateley Primary School, to ensure safety for children with nut allergies.
- How can I view the current menu?
- Menus are available on the Hampshire County Council Education Catering website or through individual school websites. Some schools, like Newtown Church of England Primary School, provide PDF versions of the three-week menu cycle.
Conclusion
Hampshire School Menus UK, managed by Hampshire County Council’s Education Catering service, provides high-quality, nutritious meals that support children’s health and learning.
With a focus on variety, affordability, and local sourcing, the service ensures that students receive balanced meals tailored to their needs.
While the current price of £3.20 per meal (free for infants) reflects rising costs, the service remains committed to quality until its potential closure in 2026. Parents can access menus, pay for meals, and learn about special diets through the official website and social media channels.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit Hampshire County Council Education Catering or contact your child’s school.